FASTJUNKIE

1980: Overkill is formed by D.D. Verni and Rat Skates after the dissolving of their previous band, The Lubricunts. Bobby Ellsworth, a bassist/vocalist, answers an ad placed by D.D. and joins the band. As well as an unidentified guitarist from Bobby's band at the time. The band can't decide on a name but take the name Virgin Killer. They perform a few shows under this name as a cover band, and decide to rename themselves, Overkill as their moniker. They had 2 guitarists who were unidentified. The setlist at this time included selections by Motorhead, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Riot, as well as a selection of punk songs. Among the guitarists at this time was none other than Dan Spitz.

1981: Dan Spitz departs the band, and Rob Conte enters, as well as Bobby Gustafson. The band start writing original songs. These originals included, "Grave Robbers," "Overkill," and "Unleash The Beast Within" which is considered the first ever thrash metal song. It even predates "Hit The Lights" by a few months. One more song was written in 1981, "Death Dealer."

1982: "Rotten To The Core" is written. Rob Conte leaves the band. This leaves Bobby Gustafson as the sole guitarist. The band start making a name for themselves in the New York/New Jersey club circuit. D.D. gives Bobby Ellsworth the nickname, "Blitz" due to his lifestyle.

1983: The Power In Black demo is recorded and released. It contains the 4 songs written up to that point, plus a new song, "There's No Tomorrow." Blitz was kicked out for a few months that same year, but was back in the band in no time. The green logo is adopted at this point.

1984: The Feel The Fire promo tape is released. The version of, "Feel The Fire" is a slightly different version than the one on the album. It also appeared on the New York Metal '84 compilation. The 2 live tracks, "Second Son," and "Kill At Command" were recorded in the snow and simulcast on a radio show called Death Radio in January 1983. "Death Rider" from the previous demo surfaces on Metal Blade's Metal Massacre V compilation. The Rotten To The Core demo is recorded and released

1985: The band being strapped for cash, they sell the Rotten To The Core demo to Azra/Metal Storm Records. The label released it as the self-titled Overkill EP. At the sametime, Overkill are signed to Megaforce Records. They record and release their debut album, Feel The Fire.

1986: Overkill are featured on a compilation video called, Metal Hammer Roadshow. The video also featured the bands, Anthrax and Agent Steel. The video was recorded in Germany.

1987: Overkill record and release their second full length album, Taking Over. "In Union We Stand" is released as a single, and Overkill film their first ever promo video for the song. The Fuck You EP is also released that year. Rat Skates leaves the band. He is replaced by Mark Archibole for a few gigs. They find a permanent replacement in Sid Falck.

1988: Overkill's third full length album, Under The Influence is released. "Hello From The Gutter" is released as a single and video. This song becomes a cult hit for the band.

1989: The Years Of Decay is released as their fourth full length, and becomes Overkill's break through album. It receives critical praise by the press and fans. The album becomes Overkill's biggest seller to date. "Elimination" is released as a single and video. Atlantic buys out Overkill's contract with Megaforce Records after the 2 labels partnership ends,

1990: Bobby Gustafson is booted out of the band after having fights with D.D. Verni. They replace Gustafson with 2 guitarists. Rob Cannavino and ex-Faith Or Fear guitarist Merrit Gant, and start writing their next album.

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